Liver failure after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

309 reports to the FDA describe liver failure in dogs given Carprofen. That is 0.7% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.1% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

309Reports
35%Marked serious
2.3%Recovered
69%Died or euthanised
10 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
15 16%
1–2 days
9 9.4%
3–7 days
19 20%
1–4 weeks
35 36%
Over a month
18 19%

How the animals did

Recovered
6 1.9%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 0.3%
Still unwell when reported
26 8.4%
Died
168 54%
Euthanised
46 15%
Not known
62 20%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
4
1–3 years
20
4–7 years
81
8–11 years
115
12+ years
69

About this medicine

Carprofen relieves pain and inflammation from arthritis or after surgery.

Products with this ingredient include Rimadyl, Novox, Vetprofen. The FDA hides brand names in its public data, so these reports cover every product with the same active ingredients.

NSAIDs can affect the stomach, liver and kidneys. Vets usually recommend blood tests before and during long-term use.

Questions owners ask

Can Carprofen cause liver failure in dogs?
309 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?
In half of the reports with dates, it started within 10 days of the first dose.
What should I do?
Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Liver failure with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Carprofen in dogs · Medicines most reported with liver failure